Tom Jans - Dark Blonde (1976/2007)

A great little album from Tom Jans – an artist mostly known for a few key songs that other folks sing, but a surprisingly well-developed talent on this mid 70s album for Columbia! The album's maybe a bit too rootsy to be AOR, but also has a similar handling overall – very top-shelf production, which makes his well-penned songs sound even better. Jans has a nice sort of edge to his vocals – a wryness that really fits his words – and the quality and obscurity of the set serve as a great reminder of how much great talent was hitting the big labels in the 70s, but never got the exposure they were due. Titles include "Ready To Roll", "Distant Cannon Fire", "Rosarita", "Back On My Feet Again", "Starlight", and "Bluer Than You".